Space Travel and Human Health: New Insights

Space travel is one of humanity’s most remarkable achievements in exploring outer space. With advancements in scientific research, new and unexpected effects on the health of humans spending extended periods in space are emerging. A recent study revealed that human stem cells might experience accelerated aging when in space, but interestingly, some of the damage may be repairable.

Genetic Changes and Accelerated Aging

The study, published in the journal “Cell Stem Cell,” showed that hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) underwent aging-like changes while on the International Space Station. These cells lost some of their ability to produce new healthy cells and became more susceptible to DNA damage. Signs of accelerated aging appeared at the ends of chromosomes after returning from space.

These findings indicate that space conditions, such as radiation and microgravity, play a crucial role in stressing stem cells. Four sets of these cells were sent aboard SpaceX commercial resupply missions.

NASA’s Twin Study: Space and the Human Body

The study is part of a series of ongoing research based on NASA’s twin study, which examined the effects of space travel on the human body through identical twins: Scott Kelly, who spent a year in space, and his brother Mark, who remained on Earth. This study helped scientists better understand the effects of space travel on the human body.

NASA’s twin study site showed that the human body demonstrates resilience and strength in facing space conditions. For example, Scott’s gene expression levels returned to normal six months after his mission ended.

The Importance of Telomeres and Genetic Changes

The study noted that telomeres, the ends of DNA strands that protect chromosomes, experienced length changes during Scott’s space journey. Without telomeres, DNA becomes “frayed,” and cells do not function properly. NASA explains that these changes may help assess overall health and potential long-term risks.

After Scott returned to Earth, most of the telomeres that lengthened during the mission returned to normal within 48 hours. However, the University of California, San Diego, emphasizes that studying telomeres and changes in gene expression may be relevant to longer space missions.

Future Experiments and Their Impact on Health

In the new study, researchers created a platform on the International Space Station to allow the cultivation of human stem cells in space and monitor them using AI-powered imaging tools. The study included HSPCs that were in space for 32 to 45 days.

The research team observed some changes, along with signs indicating that some damage might be repairable. After weeks in space, some cells began to recover when placed in a “young and healthy” environment on Earth.

Conclusion

These studies underscore the importance of understanding the effects of space travel on human health, especially with the move toward longer missions. The research contributes to developing strategies to protect astronauts from the negative effects of prolonged stays in space, as well as providing models to understand aging and related diseases on Earth. The University of California, San Diego, continues its plans for future missions aimed at monitoring molecular changes and developing countermeasures to protect human health in space.